Dental News and Views

Click here to view the Spring 2009 Newsletter

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Click here to view the Winter 2008 Newsletter

Ames Awarded for “Give Back A Smile” Outstanding Contribution

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is an organization of many of the world’s leading cosmetic dentists. Its membership includes many from the entertainment industry of Hollywood and New York City, and dentists from South America, Europe and the far east.

Within the Academy of 5000+ cosmetic dentists, there is a group of approximately 1000+ cosmetic dentists who volunteer to serve in the AACD Charitable Foundation’s “Give Back A Smile” (GBAS) program.

This program, in cooperation with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, restores the smiles of domestic violence survivors at no cost.

Each year the Board of Trustees of the AACD awards one individual GBAS volunteer their “Partners in Peace” award for the outstanding contribution of the year. The 2004 award was given to Dr. John L. Ames of Schererville, Indiana.

Click here to read the entire story as printed in The Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry Spring 2004 issue.

Interrelationship of Bone, Teeth and Lips/Face

Did you know the overall lip shape and facial profile is the result of the underlying support as well as the amount of lip tissue available. Just as the sculptor creates a believable work of art from knowing the structure beneath the surface, so must the surgeon or dentist know the three-dimensional anatomy of the patient. Function and beauty go hand in hand.

In dentistry, we have known support for the lips is created by proper tooth arrangement. We also know what happens to the face when individuals lose some or all of their teeth. The results can include hollow cheeks, wrinkled skin or sunken lips. Yet, the subtle effect of the position of the teeth and the obvious fullness of the lips is rarely discussed. Architecturally, the teeth and surrounding gum tissues are the support over which the lips drape. Additionally, the lips can be slightly turned out to show more of the inner-pigmented lip tissue, making them appear to be wider in a vertical direction.

In certain situations, a change in tooth position or surface shape can enhance the position, fullness or shape of the lips. By either correcting the shape of one’s arch of teeth through dental orthodontics or restorative treatments, such as laminate veneers or crowns, the support of the lips can be changed to create a sense of greater fullness of the lips.

So, if you are considering aesthetic surgery to plump yourself up, why not make an appointment with Ames Dental first? Dr. Ames will speak with you about how he can enhance your smile and correct any underlying problems at the same time.